FS1 “Speak For Yourself” host Marcellus Wiley believes the Cleveland Browns are better than the Baltimore Ravens heading into the upcoming season.
Wiley’s commentary came after news broke Monday that Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins would miss the 2021 season with a torn ACL in his left knee.
Dobbins got hurt during the Ravens’ preseason finale against the Washington Football Team.
Wiley mentioned how quarterback Lamar Jackson has stayed healthy, and how the Ravens have had three winning seasons as the former league MVP heads into his fourth NFL season.
“Baker Mayfield only has one winning season under his belt,” Wiley said. “So Baker Mayfield does not reach the same level as Lamar Jackson, but what’s surrounding them, obviously, you have to give the nod to the Cleveland Browns.”
Wiley called the Browns’ roster “tremendous.”
“Baker Mayfield just doesn’t have to be the engine,” Wiley said. “(He) just has to go along for the ride and do what he needs to do, and be strategic and smart about it.”
.@MarcellusWiley explains why the Browns are better than the Ravens.
“Baker Mayfield does not reach the same level as Lamar Jackson but with what’s surrounding him, you obviously have to give the nod to the Cleveland Browns.” pic.twitter.com/vJkMTsWMHn
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) August 30, 2021
Ravens running backs Gus Edwards and Ty’Son Williams are expected to fill the void left by Dobbins.
The 2021 season could mark the seventh consecutive season the Ravens have had a different leading rusher.
Even in a backup role, Edwards has produced for the Ravens the last few seasons.
Edwards is one of six players with at least 700 rushing yards in each of the last three seasons: The others are Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, Browns running back Nick Chubb, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara and Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry.
Ravens leading RB by season:
2020: JK Dobbins
2019: Mark Ingram
2018: Gus Edwards
2017: Alex Collins
2016: Terrance West
2015: Justin ForsettWith JK Dobbins out (ACL) it will be yet another season with a new RB leading the team in rushing yards
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 29, 2021
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) August 30, 2021
Wiley also acknowledged the Browns’ injury woes: Tight end Stephen Carlson is likely out for the season with a knee injury and linebacker Mack Wilson has dealt with a shoulder injury in the preseason.
However, Wiley said the Ravens’ injuries have been worse.
“We’re not talking about the same level,” Wiley said.
In addition to Dobbins’ injury, rookie wide receiver Rashod Bateman is expected to miss several weeks to have groin surgery and cornerback Marlon Humphrey is dealing with a groin strain as well.
“Even though we have not seen my man Lamar Jackson miss but one game since his freshman year in collect, but everyone always talks about injuries, injuries with him, but as long as Lamar Jackson is standing, it seems like the Baltimore Ravens will be standing,” Wiley said.
Fox Bet considers the Ravens as favorites to win the AFC North at +120.
The Browns are a close second at +145 with the Pittsburgh Steelers at +375 and the Cincinnati Bengals at +2,200.
Wiley likes the Browns to win the division.
“My answer really is the Cleveland Browns, but in reality, it’s a quarterback-driven league and at the most important position, I would have to my money on Lamar Jackson saying, ‘Yeah, (it’s) more on your shoulders, but you’re capable of doing more as well,’” Wiley said.
In 2021, the Browns will try to win their first division title since the 1989 season.
The 1989 campaign also marked the last time the Browns made the playoffs in consecutive seasons.
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